The EPA’s Mercury Air and Toxics Standards will force the closure of more coal power plants than will the climate change rules set forward for CO2 emissions. The advancement in technologies for efficiency of power plants vis a vis the 2005 emissions standard, have provided for a significant head start against global warming.

Mercury and most of its compounds are extremely toxic. They must be handled with care; in cases of spills involving mercury, specific cleaning procedures are used to avoid exposure and contain the spill. Yet is a common side effect of pollution by coal power plant emissions. 65% of the mercury in our environment is stated to stem from coal-fired power plants.